By Jerome S. Galunan, Jr.

Following their fourth place finish earlier this month in the Soong Ching Ling Cup, which took place in Beijing, China, Philippine U13 football team manager Andrew Infante said, after observing how other teams played, affirmed his team is competitive.

“Seeing a representation of China’s grassroots program and other ASEAN countries, we have come to realize that the Philippines can compete well with their standards,” he stated.

The team manager also reiterated the short training period the Philippines had prior to the competition.

“It would have made a significant difference if we had more time to prepare,” Infante stressed. “Most, if not all, of the participating teams trained longer than us.”

He suggested a formal grassroots football program be established in order to raise game standards in the country.

“We should also provide and encourage more quality competition,” the coach added./JSG, WDJ